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An Australian is among the 115 persons hurt in a blaze that ripped through a crowded bar during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Statement on National Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the nation of Switzerland, the people involved,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is receiving support, assistance from the Australian embassy. I am unable to provide more specifics for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Department Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade verified early Friday it was offering diplomatic support to the injured person and their family.

A department representative said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are prevented from commenting further.”

The spokesperson added, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with Swiss officials to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

• Reaching out to or attending medical facilities.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

Local police reported the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called Le Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the Valais resort.

Video of the incident depicts orange fire raging from inside the first-floor establishment. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

Certain victims in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Authorities confirmed it was not a case of arson for the blaze, which is thought to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Citizens anxious regarding family members who may have been caught up in the fire were advised to call the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on the number 1300 555 135.